Breeding from gerriatric Cordonblu Stock
Posted: 22 Mar 2010, 19:09
I've recently found that hanging on by the skin of their teeth are a few cordonblu waxbills owned by the big names in finch breeding in Manila (Philippines). I've suggested that thier owners work cooperativly to save the species by giving them to those able to breed them and of course there is strong reluctance to give up their prize posessions. What I don't have is exactly what conditions these birds need as I've only ever bred Australian species. I probably won't get far calling them zombie collecters but that's what these guys are doing if they aren't willing to allow these birds to breed. There are very few hens and as far as I know nothing has come in since 2005. No breeders have aviaries (here the term is used for a breeding room full of cages). If there is little chance of cage/cabinet breeding and I'm the only one with aviaries I don't like my chances of getting the birdss but I've got to try.
Can someone advise me on the following:
1) How to get individual aviculturists to work cooperatively and to part with their trophy pieces without up-front compensation. I've suggested they get progeny for partiscipating.
2) How do you condition & entice birds to breed with birds that are that old - eg diets, housing, minimum space requirements, artifical nest types, brush types etc.
3) If the birds do nest should the young be parent raised or fostered and what are their dietary requirements? I know that you need live food but how much and how often as they develop. Hints on amounts of green and soaked feed would also be appreciated.
4) At what age should the young be allowed to breed and how many clutches should be allowed? Pressure will come for as early as possible and as many clutches as possible (locals reckon that it's only one clutch/year but that's probably because they aren't feeding them right).
Hope someone can help or tell me about their experiences with cooperative breeding schemes.
Greg
Can someone advise me on the following:
1) How to get individual aviculturists to work cooperatively and to part with their trophy pieces without up-front compensation. I've suggested they get progeny for partiscipating.
2) How do you condition & entice birds to breed with birds that are that old - eg diets, housing, minimum space requirements, artifical nest types, brush types etc.
3) If the birds do nest should the young be parent raised or fostered and what are their dietary requirements? I know that you need live food but how much and how often as they develop. Hints on amounts of green and soaked feed would also be appreciated.
4) At what age should the young be allowed to breed and how many clutches should be allowed? Pressure will come for as early as possible and as many clutches as possible (locals reckon that it's only one clutch/year but that's probably because they aren't feeding them right).
Hope someone can help or tell me about their experiences with cooperative breeding schemes.
Greg